Multi-Channel Golf Swing Training Device

ABSTRACT

A golf swing training device that provides immediate biomechanical feedback by allowing for an uninhibited swing through a channel of detachable components. The apparatus is comprised of channels through which a golf club can travel, along with detachable rods and blocks. When the club is swung properly the apparatus will not be disturbed. However, an improper swing will cause movement or detachment of the rods or blocks. The channel along the X and Y axes of the apparatus are created by blocks that can be comprised by any light-weight materials. The channel along the Z axis of the apparatus is created by a detachable arm that can be comprised by any light-weight material. An additional rod can be fastened to a golf club to further confine the path of a club through the channel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This device relates to the field of training aids and methods for the development and improvement of a proper golf swing. Specifically, this device relates to training aids and methods for the development of proper golf swings through visual and biomechanical feedback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hitting a golf ball along its intended path is an art that takes considerable skill. The path and trajectory a golf ball takes is determined by several variables from the positioning of the golfer relative to the ball, to strength and direction of the wind, to the type of surface the golf ball rests. Perhaps most significantly, the path and trajectory are influenced by the mechanics of the golf swing. If a golfer can develop a consistent effective golf swing, chances of hitting the ball along its intended path and trajectory is greatly increased.

One specific aspect of the golf swing that is difficult master is the swing path, or the path at which the club takes during the swing when approaching, striking, and following-through on the ball. Acquiring a golf swing with a proper swing path, generally, takes practice and adaptation.

Golf training devices exist to teach the body the proper elements required for a precise golf swing including, including devices that teach swing mechanics with a proper swing path. However, the existing devices have the following disadvantages:

-   -   1. Most do not provide immediate feedback when a swing does not         follow the proper swing path.     -   2. Some provide immediate feedback but are typically very         expensive. Many of these devices use electronic components which         can be cumbersome or add avoidable expenses to the devices.     -   3. Some provide immediate feedback but involve a bumper or         barriers. Bumpers and barriers tend to inhibit a full swing and         can restrict improving the follow through of a swing.     -   4. Lastly, many existing devices cannot indicate whether the         club face is on square at impact.

Thus, a need exists in the art for a cost effective device that will help develop proper swing mechanics by providing immediate feedback from an uninhibited swing that is square at impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of this device serve to aid the learning of proper golf swing mechanics for hitting a golf ball through immediate biomechanical feedback. The device is especially advantageous over prior inventions in that it provides immediate visual and sensational information about a golf swing. These and other advantages are achieved in the present device as described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The drawings are not to scale and the relative dimensions of various elements in the drawings are depicted schematically and not to scale:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic of one possible embodiment of the golf swing aid device.

FIG. 2 is a top-view schematic of one possible embodiment of the golf swing aid device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the golf swing aid device.

FIG. 4 is four views of the club strap add-on for the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One possible embodiment of the device, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 is comprised of an elongated base, 101, with at least one detachable block, 102, extending from the perimeter of the base. The detachable blocks may be attached to the base through balance, Velcro, or adhesion. Also fastened to the base is an anchor member, 103. Extending from the anchor member is a detachable bar, 104.

The blocks, 102, creates channels for a golf club along the X and Y axes of the elongated base, 101. The detachable bar, 104, creates a channel for a golf club along the Z axis of the base. When either the blocks or the detachable bar are struck, immediate feedback of an improper swing is provided to the golfer.

The detachable blocks, 102, may be comprised of lightweight and inexpensive materials such as foam, rubber, plastic, or wood. The detachable blocks can be any shape.

The detachable bar, 103, may be comprised of any inexpensive material such as foam, rubber, plastic, wood, or metal. In the preferred embodiment, the detachable bar is angled to hang parallel to the swing path. The detachable bar can be fastened optimally to aide both right handed and left handed golfers.

FIG. 4 shows four views of a club strap add-on that can be fastened to any golf club. The club strap is comprised of an elongated rod, 401, that is attached to an elongated cloth material, 403. The elongated rod, 401, may be comprised of any inexpensive lightweight material. Optimally, said rod is comprised of foam. The elongated cloth, 403, can be comprised of any type of durable cloth. The terminal ends of said cloth can be fastened to each other by, among others, Velcro, clips, or adhesion. The cloth length should be sufficient to circle large clubs, such as big drivers.

While preferred embodiments of the device have been illustrated and described, it is understood that we do not limit ourselves to the precise constructions herein disclosed. It is clear to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the device, and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for golf swing training comprising: a. an elongated base, b. a plurality of blocks positioned along the perimeter of said base so as to create channels for swinging a golf club, c. a bar member hanging over said elongated base, and d. means for joining said bar member to said elongated base.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said blocks are detachable.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said bar member is detachable.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said bar member is detachable.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 4, further including a. A handle attached to said elongated base, and b. means for joining said handle to said elongated base
 6. An apparatus as in claim 5, further including a. A plurality of hinges allowing the device to be folded b. Means for joining the hinges to said elongated base
 7. An apparatus that attaches to a golf club comprising: a. An elongated rod, b. a flexible strap, c. means for joining said rod to said strap, and d. means for joining said strap to a golf club. 